Why I got involved in politics

I do not come from a political background but when the political parties visited IT Tallaght in 2002, Labour were the only party with Marriage Equality and the Repeal of the 8th Amendment on their agenda. I didn't realise non political people like me could get involved and support these campaigns as well as voice our opinions about other issues both nationally and in our communities.

I decided to run in this election as our community needs to be represented by somebody who believes in justice and equality above all. And that includes reducing the rural versus urban divide which is prevalent where we live.

My priorities

I want all political parties to work together to approve meaningful Climate Change legislation.

My partner and I are currently rewilding a 10acre habitat which had been left fallow for a number of years. We have added to the existing native hedging and are hoping to add ponds and native trees while leaving plenty of hay meadow untouched.

We are also at the pre planning stage of building a passive house and it is hard for people including financial institutions to contemplate anyone building a solid sustainable structure without concrete blocks. 

I think education at a grassroots level is very important and Biodiversity shouldn't be a them versus us situation which why it is important to engage with farmers and not lay all the blame at their feet. I am always shocked to pass by empty office buildings and see lights running all night.

There is a derelict cottage on our land and we are hoping to renovate it and use it as an information hub where we can let people know about our project and why we are so passionate about it.

I will call for an end to gender based violence and sexual assault crimes. I would also call for a continuous media campaign which offers support to victims and a tandem media campaign to educate everyone on domestic violence, coercive control and the importance of consent. We also need more funding and more refuges for victims of abuse and sexual assault.

I think one of the greatest issues we are facing at the moment is the spread of misinformation. Right wing extremists are able to gather so quickly. We need to use technology, traditional media and social media to rapidly counteract misinformation. Everybody has the right to protest but it is important we all have unbiased and factual information first. There are huge tech giants based in Ireland and we should be asking for their assistance along with media broadcasters and newspapers in getting facts out there as quickly as possible to counteract false claims.

My background

I work as an accountant for an IP Company. I am a member of Fr Murphy Athletic Club, O'Growney Players and the Meath Westmeath Peatland Heritage Group. For the last number of years I have voluteered at a local music festival dedicated to attendees with additional needs and their carers.

Nationally, I am member of Birdswatch Ireland, Irish Wildlife Trust, Mountaineering Ireland and Astronomy Ireland.

I previously campaigned with The Labour Party for Marriage Equality and the Repeal of the 8th Amendment.